Coach Introduction

Hello Hockey Families, 

Welcome to the 2023/2024 hockey season. 

Let me begin by extending and welcoming all U11 players to attend and tryout for the U11 2023/2024Rideau St. Lawrence Kings. I encourage all U11 players who are interested in playing the AA level this season, to come and tryout for the team.

My name is Jennifer Holmes, and I would like to introduce myself as the Head Coach of the Rideau St. Lawrence Kings AA U11 team for the upcoming season. I am honored to have been selected and feel privileged to have this opportunity to coach this team. 

I considered myself a highly dedicated, passionate and enthusiastic professional. I have a passion and love for the game that started many years ago at a very young age. I have played competitive hockey my entire life and played varsity hockey for the University of Ottawa. I have coached at all age levels, from Initiation to U16. Most recently I coached the U10 RSL Kings team to a very successful 2022/2023 season. . I am confident that my experience, knowledge and heart embodies a lot of the values and qualifications to lead this team. I plan to surround myself with the very best bench staff and manager that share the same vision, principles and passion as I do.

As a coach I will work with the players to inspire and influence, to grow and develop, and create a trusted and safe environment for the players to learn the technical and tactical elements, game awareness and gain a strong hockey sense. I will focus on making all players feel valued, while focusing on the process of development on and off the ice. I strongly believe communication is key, commitment is non-negotiable, consistency is imperative, and character is crucial to compete at this level. My goal will be to teach, develop, motivate and inspire the players to help them unlock their highest potential. 

As a coach I demand a lot from my players but I expect that they demand a lot from me to. I will encourage teamwork, strong work ethic, positive attitude and I will expect all players to give 110% at all games and practices. I will require sportsmanship and respect of each other, staff, opponents and officials on and off the ice. 

This season everyone will have a role to play, there is no “I” in team. I am a firm believer in teamwork, and believe that hard work, courage and heart cannot be beaten. Throughout the year we will set goals between the players and bench staff and as we progress I will ensure that all players on the team have the best opportunity to gain confidence, to grow and develop their own skills in all area’s while always ensuring they are having fun. 

I embody a team motto “All In” , with grit and courage, dedication and hard work, the success we have will come from how hard one is willing to work in order to overcome and achieve our goals. What I can promise you is I am “All In” and 100% committed to achieving my goals as the head coach and helping the players unleash and reach their highest potential. I am excited for the season ahead, and I look forward to the season ahead. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me jennifermacdonald09@live.caor (613) 802-9666.